Zach

Oxford comma enjoyer

[Cosmic Marvel @cosmic_marvel]

Adam Driver has reportedly been cast as Magneto in the ‘X-MEN’ reboot film.

(via @ApocHorseman)

[Fascinating @fasc1nate]

The Lord of the Rings is presented as a translation of a book originally written in Westron, the common speech of Middle-earth. Therefore, Frodo Baggins' real name in Westron is Maura Labingi.

The other hobbits also have “real” names:

Samwise “Sam” Gamgee -> Banazîr “Ban” Galpsi

Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck -> Kalimac “Kali” Brandagamba

Peregrin “Pippin” Took -> Razanur “Razar” Tûk

JRR Tolkien and the creation of Middle Earth
https://t.co/08YdXHBIUr

[ToonHive @ToonHive]

First official look at Team Avatar in ‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.’

Out July 25th on Paramount+.

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

A recent study has demonstrated that continuous exposure to rose essential oil through inhalation can lead to measurable increases in gray matter volume in the human brain.

In this randomized controlled intervention, 50 healthy women participated: 28 in the experimental group applied rose essential oil to their clothing daily for one month, while 22 in the control group used plain water. Before and after the period, researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess changes in brain structure. The results indicated a significant increase in gray matter volume (GMV) across the whole brain, with a particularly notable effect in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)—a region involved in memory processing, self-referential thinking, and emotional regulation. No significant changes occurred in areas like the amygdala or orbitofrontal cortex.

The olfactory pathway likely explains this effect: aromatic compounds from the rose oil travel directly to the limbic system, providing sustained stimulation that may promote neuroplasticity and help counteract age-related brain atrophy. The authors suggest this could have implications for dementia prevention, as the PCC is among the regions affected early in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

This appears to be the first evidence that prolonged scent inhalation can induce structural changes in the adult human brain.

[Kokubun, K., et al. (2024). Continuous inhalation of essential oil increases gray matter volume. Brain Research Bulletin, 208, 110896. DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110896]

[ArchaeoHistories @histories_arch]

The Sumerians did not call themselves by this name; rather, it was the Akkadians who bestowed the title "Shumar" or "Sumer" upon the inhabitants of southern Mesopotamia, particularly the marshlands. With the advancement of archaeology and history, scholars came to refer to the kingdoms of southern Mesopotamia as the Sumerians, using the plural form.

The Sumerians themselves described themselves as having black heads. Most statues and archaeological sculptures depict the majority of Sumerians with shaved heads and beards, with only priests or rulers trimming their beards. Over the centuries, the Sumerians have been absorbed into the diverse ethnicities and peoples of Mesopotamia, a phenomenon that continues to this day.

The Sumerians are credited with several significant contributions to the world, including the development of writing, the invention of the wheel and the lyre, the establishment of drainage systems, the construction of dams, and the creation of the first known legal code. They were also the first to record the myth of the Great Flood and the creation myth.

#drthehistories

[Zach @AmondinPC]

@Pseudomastix @Darktide40K I know this is a tall order, but if you can beat a havoc 40 you get 23k Diamantine, as well as 35k Plasteel, at the next weekly reset.

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

Noninvasive 40 Hz gamma sensory stimulation uses rhythmic pulses of light and sound to entrain the brain’s natural gamma oscillations, which are linked to memory, attention, and cognitive processing. This approach, often called GENUS (Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory stimuli), has shown promise in reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins, the two primary pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

In multiple preclinical studies, daily one-hour exposure to 40 Hz light and sound reduced amyloid plaque burden, decreased tau pathology, protected neurons, preserved synaptic connections, and improved memory performance in mouse models of Alzheimer’s. Researchers observed that the stimulation enhances clearance of toxic proteins through the brain’s glymphatic system, its waste-removal “plumbing” network.

A pivotal 2024 study from MIT demonstrated a key mechanism: 40 Hz multisensory stimulation activates vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneurons, which promote increased cerebrospinal fluid influx and interstitial fluid efflux. This boosts glymphatic flow and accelerates the removal of amyloid proteins from brain tissue.

Human research has progressed from early feasibility trials to larger studies. In a Phase 2A pilot trial, patients with mild Alzheimer’s who received daily 40 Hz audiovisual stimulation for three months showed reduced brain atrophy (less ventricular enlargement and hippocampal volume loss), improved functional connectivity, better performance on memory tasks, and more stable daily activity rhythms compared to controls. Longer-term open-label extensions suggest sustained safety and potential cognitive benefits over two years in some participants.

A large Phase III clinical trial is currently underway to rigorously evaluate efficacy. While results remain preliminary and the therapy is not a cure, it represents a novel non-pharmacological strategy that aims to harness the brain’s own rhythms to activate natural cleanup and repair processes.

Early evidence also hints at broader applications for other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy, though further research is required.

[Tsai, L.-H., et al. (2025). Review: Evidence that 40Hz gamma stimulation promotes brain health. PLOS Biology]

[Pirat_Nation 🔴 @Pirat_Nation]

FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has made it clear that the studio will continue focusing on creativity instead of making “safe” sequels just to satisfy investors.

He believes that giving developers the freedom to create what they are passionate about is key to making truly valuable games.

“We are able to freely create the games we want to make without excessive interference,” Miyazaki said, adding that maintaining this environment is important for delivering “truly valuable games.”

Miyazaki wants future entries in series like Elden Ring or Bloodborne to happen because the team has strong ideas for them.

[World of Darkness @worldofdarkness]

Introducing Vampire: The Masquerade – ETERNAL WHISPERS, a deeply provoking narrative-driven CRPG where every interaction, every dialogue, every silence is a form of play, shaped by your clan, your hunger, your ethics, and the scars of your past.
Wishlist below 👇

[Warhammer 40K: Darktide @Darktide40K]

Honor the Machine God’s blessed works. Revel in the glory of his relics.

[Moonwhisper Games @MNWSPR_GAMES]

Here be dragons.

[rebb ford @rebbford]

A notice regarding my attendance at TennoCon 2026 for Warframe:

[Anime Updates @animeupdates]

'WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT' New Anime Information on May 15th!

A Live Stream on ABEMA will be held for the Special Stage on May 15th @ 11:30PM EDT / 8:30PM PDT

[Nature is Amazing ☘️ @AMAZlNGNATURE]

David Attenborough has turned 100 years old, inspiring generations to care about the planet and the life that exists on it.

[Sid Meier's Civilization VII @CivGame]

It's time, Civ fans.

In our new Dev Diary, see how Time-Tested Civs give you the option to start and stay as any civilization from any Age, for as many Ages as you like.

📝 https://t.co/g0jqeECmjT

[The Bazaar @PlayTheBazaar]

Hello, Bazaarians!

Something is wrong in the Bazaar…

A strange force is spreading, turning allies into enemies and pushing everyone into chaos. What’s behind it - and who is pulling the strings?

We're premiering a brand new video covering the upcoming update - featuring new characters, fresh content, and a first look at the Annexian faction targeting the Bazaar.

📽️Video Premiere - https://t.co/s7VKuXhW12
🗓 May 5th
⏰ 12:30 PM PT
Don’t miss what’s coming next.

[NovaH @_louisvigreux]

@wizards_magic Yeah, nah. There's no way Dan would just coin flip his legendary career as an MTG illustrator over this hoping he wouldn't get caught. Especially seeing his agent's recent statement. Not buying this statement for one second.

[Physics In History @PhysInHistory]

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious."

– Albert Einstein

[Fascinating @fasc1nate]

Researchers say the materials used to make one of Tutankhamun’s burial daggers did not come from Earth.

Using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Italian and Egyptian scientists found that the blade’s mix of iron, nickel, and cobalt matched the composition of meteorites, strongly suggesting it was made from meteoritic iron.

The dagger was discovered in 1925 among the linen wrappings of King Tut’s mummy, and its unusual material had long puzzled experts because smelted iron was still rare in ancient Egypt.

The study suggests that ancient Egyptians recognized that some iron came from the sky and valued it highly for ceremonial or luxury objects.

Researchers also noted that the dagger’s high level of craftsmanship points to a surprisingly advanced ability to work with iron during Tutankhamun’s time.

More amazing archaeological discoveries: https://t.co/JnALmY1NJP

[Yen Press @yenpress]

Join Frieren on the adventure before the adventure!

📖 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Prelude-, Vol. 1 (novel)

Written under the supervision of Kanehito Yamada, writer of the original manga, comes five original short stories!